A Mechanical Power Estimation of Small Fish-Driven Mechanisms as a Micromachine Drive Source

抄録

To evaluate the mechanical output of small fish driven mechanisms, floating rotors have been designed and fabricated. So far, most of the micro mechanisms are driven by the collisions of microorganisms stimulated by phototaxis, this research focused on collisions of the predatory behavior of small fish for the larger power generation, compared with those of plankton driven. Two types of rotary actuator floats have been proposed according to the floating or sinking nature of the food. The asymmetry of the feeding to the fish is incorporated so that it rotates the float only in specific direction. Floats are fabricated by a 3D printer with a UV-cure resin, and Styrofoam has been added to increase the buoyancy. Experiments are tried using 16 adult fish, resulting in a intermittent rotation during feeding. A maximum rotation speed of 1.08 rpm for the rotor designed for sinking food and 3.06 rpm for floating food with an instantaneous torque of 0.127 mN·m. A mechanical power of 0.127 mW, which is approximately 10³ times lager compared to the plankton-driven mechanism, has been obtained.